Master Water-Wise Gardening Techniques
Transform your landscape with practical skills for xeriscaping and alpine gardening. Our hands-on workshops, led by certified horticulturists, empower you to create resilient, stunning gardens that thrive in Idaho's unique climate, saving water and money.
Upcoming Workshops & Events
Xeriscaping Fundamentals for Idaho Landscapes
Learn the core principles of water-efficient landscaping. This workshop covers soil preparation, plant selection for drought tolerance, and smart irrigation strategies. Ideal for homeowners looking to reduce water use.
- Date: October 26, 2024
- Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Location: Boise Community Garden Center
Cultivating Alpine Gardens: High-Altitude Techniques
Explore the unique world of alpine gardening. This workshop focuses on selecting resilient mountain flora, creating rock gardens, and specialized care for high-elevation plants that thrive in challenging conditions.
- Date: November 9, 2024
- Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Idaho Botanical Garden Annex
Healthy Soil, Thriving Plants: The Foundation of Water-Wise Gardening
Unlock the secrets to optimal soil health. This session delves into soil composition, amendment techniques, composting, and how a vibrant soil ecosystem can drastically reduce your garden's water needs.
- Date: November 23, 2024
- Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Location: TerraRoot Learn Lab
Comprehensive Workshop Curriculum
Our diverse curriculum covers essential topics for creating sustainable, beautiful gardens tailored to Idaho's environment.
Dive deep into the seven principles of xeriscaping. Learn how to zone plants by water needs, design for efficiency, prepare your site, and choose appropriate materials. This foundational module provides the blueprint for any water-wise garden.
- Site Analysis and Planning
- Efficient Irrigation Design (Drip Systems & Smart Controllers)
- Turfgrass Alternatives and Reductions
- Mulching Strategies for Water Retention
Discover the beauty and resilience of alpine plants. This module covers selecting species adapted to harsh mountain climates, creating authentic rocky environments, and providing the specific drainage and nutrient conditions these unique plants require.
- Native Idaho Alpine Species
- Rock Garden Construction and Aesthetics
- Drainage and Soil Amendments for Alpine Zones
- Winter Protection and Maintenance
Learn to identify and incorporate Idaho's incredible native flora into your landscape designs. Understanding native species ensures higher success rates, reduces maintenance, and supports local ecosystems and wildlife.
- Benefits of Native Plants for Water Conservation
- Identifying Common Idaho Natives
- Sourcing and Planting Best Practices
- Supporting Pollinators and Local Biodiversity
This module goes beyond basics, exploring advanced techniques for optimizing soil structure, improving water infiltration, and minimizing evaporation. Learn about rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and advanced composting.
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems
- Compost Tea and Bioremediation
- Subsurface Irrigation for Deep Watering
- Water Auditing Your Landscape
Learn from Certified Horticulture Professionals
Our workshops are led by experienced, passionate educators with deep roots in Idaho's horticulture and a commitment to sustainable practices.
Elara Vance, Certified Horticulturalist
Specializes in Native Plant Ecosystems
Elara brings over 15 years of experience in high-desert horticulture. Her passion lies in restoring local ecosystems through thoughtful native plant integration and intelligent water usage. She holds a Master's in Environmental Horticulture from Oregon State University and is a certified Master Gardener in Idaho.
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Caleb Thorne, Xeriscape Design Specialist
Expert in Alpine & Rocky Landscapes
With a background in landscape architecture and a focus on arid region design, Caleb is a leading voice in sustainable landscaping. He's passionate about demonstrating how beautiful and diverse water-wise gardens can be, especially in challenging environments like rocky alpine slopes.
View Full BioFlexible Learning Options for Every Schedule
We offer a range of formats to fit your learning style and availability, from intensive single-day sessions to comprehensive virtual lessons.
Half-Day Intensives
Focused sessions on specific topics like drip irrigation installation or native plant propagation. Perfect for targeted skill-building.
4 HoursMulti-Day Programs
Comprehensive courses covering broader subjects like complete xeriscape design or advanced soil science, often with field trips and certification options.
2-4 DaysOnline & Hybrid Options
Access lectures and demonstrations from anywhere with our flexible online components, sometimes combined with essential in-person practical sessions.
Blended LearningCustom workshops also available for groups, businesses, or community organizations.
Inquire About Group BookingsReal Results from Workshop Graduates
Hear from individuals and families who transformed their landscapes and reduced water usage after attending our workshops.
"The Xeriscaping Fundamentals workshop changed everything for our backyard. We went from a water-guzzling lawn to a vibrant, native plant oasis. Our water bill dropped by 40% last summer! The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive."
"I thought alpine gardening was beyond my reach, but the practical sessions in Caleb's workshop made it achievable. My new rock garden is the envy of the neighborhood, and it barely needs any water. A truly inspiring experience!"
"As a property manager, understanding soil health has been crucial for our common areas. The TerraRoot workshop on soil science for water-wise gardens gave us actionable steps that significantly improved our landscape resilience and reduced irrigation needs. Highly recommend!"
Comprehensive Learning Materials and Resources
Your learning journey extends beyond the workshop. We provide extensive resources to support your ongoing success.
Take-Home Plant Guides
Detailed guides on drought-tolerant and native plants suitable for Idaho, including care instructions and regional suitability.
Online Learning Portal
Access presentations, video demonstrations, and supplementary readings through our exclusive online portal for graduates.
Tool & Supplier Recommendations
Curated lists of recommended tools, materials, and local Idaho suppliers for all your water-wise gardening needs.
Alumni Community Network
Join a vibrant community of fellow water-wise gardeners for Q&A, shared successes, and collaborative problem-solving.
Register for Upcoming Workshops
Secure your spot in one of our highly sought-after workshops. Early bird discounts are available for select sessions!